Trip info
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On foot, by public transport
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2-8 hours
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English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian Chinese, Vietnamese -
Easy
Overview
Your expert local city guide will show you the city’s best parts, including many hidden secrets you can’t find easily on your own. On this walking tour will be able to see a lot of sightseeing points within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sightseeing points your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city like a local. However, this private tour can be customised according to your wishes. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up.
Highlights
- Explore plenty of hidden secrets and feel like a local
- See the main sightseeing places such as Lindenhof, Grossmünster, Niederdorf
- Explore hidden secrets such the university hill
- Enjoy the flexibility of several tour durations
- Tour run by legal tour operator from Switzerland
Itinerary
Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main shopping street, globally recognized for its elegance and luxury. Lined with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and jewelers, it offers a premier shopping experience and is a symbol of Zurich’s sophistication.
Admission: Street, free entry; purchases are additional
Lindenhof Hill is a peaceful, historic park offering one of the best panoramic views over Zurich’s Old Town, the Limmat River, the Grossmünster church, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). It’s a tranquil spot with Roman and medieval history.
Admission: Free
Münsterbrücke is a picturesque stone bridge connecting the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches across the Limmat River. It offers charming views of the river, the old town, and the surrounding landmarks, making it one of the best places in the city to have your picture taken.
Admission: Free
Grossmünster is Zurich’s iconic cathedral and most famous building, instantly recognizable by its twin Romanesque towers. It played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation and features beautiful stained-glass windows by artists like Augusto Giacometti and Sigmar Polke.
Admission: Church interior generally free; tower climb may have a fee
Paradeplatz is the bustling financial heart of Switzerland, a major tram hub surrounded by the headquarters of large banks and luxury hotels. It’s a symbol of Zurich’s economic power and a vibrant central square for city life.
Admission: Free
The Zurich Lakeside Promenade stretches along Lake Zurich, encompassing popular squares like Bellevue and Bürkliplatz. It offers scenic walkways, perfect for leisurely strolls, enjoying views of the lake, distant Alps, and watching city life unfold.
Admission: Free
Niederdorf is Zurich’s charming and lively old town district, characterized by its narrow, winding alleys, medieval buildings, and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. It offers a blend of historical atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
Admission: Free
The Old Botanical Garden is a serene oasis of tranquillity nestled in the heart of Zurich’s financial district. It features a medieval-style herb garden, a tropical palm house, and beautifully landscaped grounds, providing a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
Admission: Free
Predigergasse is a charming, narrow alley located within the Niederdorf old town district. It’s known as one of the nicest alleys in the area, perfect for taking pictures and experiencing the quaint, historic side of Zurich.
Admission: Free
Explore the main building of the University of Zürich, a prestigious institution known for its historical architecture and impressive courtyard. The building offers insights into Swiss academic life and often provides good views from its terraces.
Admission: University campus, generally free public access
Visit the Library of the Law Faculty at the University of Zurich to marvel at its stunning architecture designed by renowned star architect Santiago Calatrava. You can take a glass elevator to experience its unique, spiraling design and enjoy the impressive interior.
Admission: Generally free public access during opening hours
ETH Zürich is widely regarded as the best university in Switzerland, boasting many famous alumni, including Albert Einstein. Visitors can explore its historical main building and various campus areas, which often house free museums and exhibitions showcasing scientific advancements.
Admission: University campus, generally free public access; some museums inside are free
The Polybahn cog railway is a historic funicular that provides a quick and scenic ride, connecting the universities on the hill to the city centre below. It offers charming views during the short ascent and descent, serving as both a mode of transport and a minor attraction.
Admission: Public transport fare applies
The Augusto Giacometti Entrance Hall, located in the former Police Station (now part of the City Hall complex), is an artwork of national importance that even many locals haven’t visited. It features stunning Art Nouveau frescoes by the renowned artist Augusto Giacometti, offering a vibrant and often overlooked cultural experience.
Admission: Free to visit during opening hours
Stroll along the tranquil Schanzengraben Canal, a peaceful hidden gem in the city center where locals often relax during their lunch breaks and feed the ducks. This quiet waterway offers a serene escape from the urban hustle.
Admission: Free
During warmer months, check out the magnificent public swimming baths at River Limmat, Schwimmbad Oberer Letten. This popular river swimming spot offers a refreshing way to cool down with a swim in the clean river water, enjoyed by locals. (Seasonal operation).
Admission: Entry fee for public baths, seasonal
Explore the Viaduct (Im Viadukt), Zurich’s most innovative shopping street located under the arches of a train viaduct built in 1894. This trendy area features unique boutiques, independent shops, food stalls, and a lively market hall, reflecting the vibrant transformation of Zurich West.
Admission: Shopping area, free entry; purchases are additional
Climb the unique Freitag Tower, an unconventional landmark made entirely of stacked shipping containers. This quirky structure offers a fascinating view over Zurich West, the city’s new and rapidly developing urban quarter.
Admission: Free
MFO Park is a brilliant example of the highest quality urban landscape architecture. This innovative park is built within the steel framework of a former machinery factory, creating a unique vertical garden and open-air hall that provides shade, seating, and a striking aesthetic experience.
Admission: Free
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the tiny Limmat boats, which cruise along the Limmat River through the old town, or opt for a larger boat tour on Lake Zurich. Both offer unique perspectives and beautiful views of the city, its waterfront, and the distant Alps from the water.
Admission: Boat ticket price not included
Embark on a leisurely walk from the Zurich Zoo area up to Rigiblick, a scenic viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Zurich, stretching across Lake Zurich and towards the majestic Alps. The Rigiblick cog railway offers a charming way to ascend or descend the hill.
Admission: Ticket price for the railway is not included
Indulge in a delightful Swiss chocolate shopping experience in Zurich. Explore the city’s renowned chocolatiers and confectionaries, where you can discover and purchase the finest quality Swiss chocolate, from traditional bars to exquisite pralines.
Admission: Entry to shops is free; purchases are additional
Cost
Inclusions
- Tour guide (Swiss or expat)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Walking tour
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour)
- Tickets for attractions with entry fee such as museums
- Tips
Important information
- This tour will take place rain or shine.
- Please note that for very late bookings (1 day before the tour) we can’t always guarantee a tour guide that speaks your chosen language. If a guide in your language is not available we will give you an English-speaking guide instead. If you can’t accept an English speaking guide, please ask us first if a guide that speaks your language is available before you make the payment.
FAQs
Your guide can meet you wherever you need to be picked up. You can request a pickup point during the booking process. We may not be able to meet you at some locations which are far from the sightseeing points. In such a case, we will suggest you a more suitable meeting point.
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